Two weeks ago, the talk had started. At first, Lungile paid no attention to it. People were jealous and nasty and liked to blame others for problems they created. It didn’t mean anything, and it was best not to pay it any attention. Such random talk could do no real harm.

Those Somali shopkeepers charge too much. They should go back to their country and leave us alone.

Mugabe’s children have no home here. They just want to steal our property in the night.

The Nigerians are all drug dealers. The government should send them home.

They are taking all of our jobs. Is this not the New South Africa?

They must all leave or we will make them leave!

Talk, talk, talk. Other things filled Lungile’s mind. It was her final year of primary school and she was the head girl. She had a lot of responsibilities; she couldn’t be troubled with silly talk from jealous people.

But then something about the talk changed. It was more organised. People were repeating the same things. The words gained momentum, they gathered strength. It was all taking on a sharp edge.

The foreigners must go home, or we will make sure they do.

From odd corners and on the crowded streets the words were repeated; repeated enough times that they took on a more real, truthful role. Soon they were no longer words, but calls to action.

This was when Mudiwa took Lungile to one side, and the secret began.

***

Tell us: Have you heard people talking like this? Do you find yourself believing or hating such talk?